Eurasia
Russia: Space Expansionism Anew?
After the discovery of phosphine in Venus’ atmosphere, Russian Space Agency Roscosmos was quick to reaffirm Moscow’s commitment to exploring the planet. Furthermore, Russia’s previously dominant position in international space travel has been challenged since private actors have entered the field. These two factors prompt a potential revival of Russian extraterrestrial ambitions.
Serbia: Between Russia and the West
The recent exposure of a Russian intelligence operation in Serbia highlights the dual strategy that Russia pursues towards its neighbours.
Russia Returns to the Council of Europe
On the 25th of June, the Council of Europe voted to reinstate Russia’s membership of the Parliamentary Assembly, the first case of sanctions against Russia being lifted since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Prospects of Nuclearization of the Crimean Peninsula
Since 2014, assumptions about the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons on the Crimean Peninsula have riddled the Western press. However, it has not been materially confirmed whether or not this is the case, and the implications of such a move remain limited in scope – for the time being.
Eurasia: Is Belarus the next Crimea?
Russia tries to tighten its grip while simultaneously decreasing the resulting budget burden. On the other hand, Belarus is not willing to sacrifice its sovereignty but is acutely aware of its economic dependence on Russia.
VPN providers warned in Russia
Russia has warned VPN providers that do not adhere to domestic censorship laws that they may face being banned. This is in-line with recent plans to create a ‘Sovereign Internet’. These laws include prohibiting access to sites on the country’s national block-list.
Russia’s cyber blindspot: Vulnerabilities and measures
Russian officials have announced plans to disconnect the nation from the wider internet to protect against cyber-attacks. Frequently depicted as a cyber aggressor, Russia suffers from numerous significant weaknesses in its own approach with cyber-attacks. This article covers Russia’s past vulnerabilities to major cyber attacks and how these measures would be deficient in currently preventing one.
The final iron curtain for Russia’s internet?
Russian legislators sparked hot debate this month voting by an overwhelming majority to permit a trial shutdown of Russia’s segment of the internet (runet).
The EastMed Pipeline Project in Perspective
The EastMed gas pipeline between Cyprus, Greece and Israel will revolutionise the economies and geo-politics of the region. The project comes from an emerging alliance between the three countries who must move forward cautiously in the face of neighbouring States’ opposition.
The Ukraine conflict in 2019: Prospects for de-escalation look remote
It has been almost five years since the signing of the Minsk Agreements, which represent the only existing conduit for the gradual de-escalation of this conflict. Increasing ceasefire violations and obstruction of monitoring suggest that de-escalation remains unlikely.
